For the first time in over a decade, a new update is coming to the world’s most widely used international standard.
Expected to be released in Q3 2026, ISO 9001:2026 is the latest revision to the international standard for building and maintaining a Quality Management System. With more than a million certificates issued since its original launch in 1987, the latest update to ISO 9001 is poised to affect thousands of organizations across the globe.
A decade after its last revision, many industries are wondering if ISO 9001:2026 will bring the same level of wholesale changes that the current ISO 9001:2015 did or if a more gradual evolution is in store.
What is ISO 9001 and Why Does It Matter?
Since its inception, ISO 9001 has provided organizations with guidelines for building a Quality Management System (QMS).
The standard was created to help organizations in virtually any industry design and implement QMS systems that deliver products and services that meet customer needs and regulatory requirements.
This standard has helped hundreds of thousands of companies around the world take a process-based approach to the quality of their goods and services, while promoting continuous improvement to enhance safety, minimize risk, and increase customer satisfaction.
For manufacturers specifically, QMS systems bring immediate improvements to product consistency and reliability. They drastically cut down on defects and rework. They help build stronger supply chains and introduce greater process control.
Most importantly, ISO 9001 certification signifies to the world that an organization takes quality and reliability seriously. Many projects and contracts require ISO 9001 certification before a bid can be made. Holding certification unlocks greater opportunities for your organization.
What is the Latest Version of ISO 9001?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) periodically reviews and updates each of the more than 25,000 ISO standards that are currently active.
But despite being the world’s most adopted standard, ISO 9001 hasn’t seen an update since 2015.
The current version of ISO 9001 is ISO 9001:2015. Launched in 2015, it introduced several significant changes. It included Annex SL, the high-level structure found in modern ISO standards, and a focus on risk-based thinking among other modifications.
However, a lot has changed in the last decade.
Digital transformations have brought AI and advanced data analytics into the workplace. Global supply chains have become increasingly complex. Organizations are expected to take steps to mitigate their impact on climate change.
That doesn’t mean the current ISO 9001 standard is no longer effective. It means that it is evolving to keep pace with the changes of the last ten years.
When is the Next ISO 9001 Update?
ISO 9001:2026 is expected to soon enter the Draft International Standard (DIS) before final approval.
ISO members will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed updates. While the anticipated changes are largely locked in place, the review period gives the ISO a chance to make minor adjustments before the update is finalized.
The official release of ISO 9001:2026 is expected to arrive sometime in Q3 2026.
What is Changing In the Latest ISO 9001 Update?
ISO 9001:2026 isn’t intended to rewrite the standard. The new update will keep what works, while strengthening existing concepts and adapting to the increased influence of technology in the workplace.
Here’s what organizations can expect with the latest ISO 9001 revision:
Increased Focus on Leadership and Quality Culture
The latest version of ISO 9001 will bring a stronger emphasis on leadership accountability. Leadership will be required to promote quality culture within the organization. The new update will offer specific guidance on building quality culture as well as a focus on ethical behavior.
An Emphasis on Climate and Sustainability
In February 2024, ISO added amendments to Clause 4.1 and 4.2 of ISO 9001:2015 and other management standards that require organizations to consider climate-related risk as part of their risk assessment.
ISO 9001:2026 is expected to further clarify and integrate climate change and sustainability considerations into the standard’s requirements.
Additional Guidelines for Digital Transformation
New technologies are changing the way business is done. The latest version of ISO 9001 will take into account the roles of data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) in quality and excellence.
Risk and Opportunity Management Clarified
The new update seeks to distinguish more clearly between what constitutes risk versus opportunity, and will guide organizations to consider both in their planning.
Expanded Guidance in Annex A
Annex A is where ISO 9001 focuses on guidance. ISO 9001:2026 will see increased detail in Annex A for improved guidance on implementing Clauses 4–10 of the standard.
What Isn’t Changing With the Latest ISO 9001 Version
ISO 9001’s current version was a major upgrade from the previous ISO 9001:2008. It marked a major structural shift to Annex SL and introduced risk-based thinking requirements. As a result, many organizations had to undertake extensive updates to their QMS.
The good news is that this is not a major rewrite of the standard. Manufacturers can think of it more like a refresh/update.
The Annex SL structure remains, avoiding a major structural redesign. It keeps ISO 9001:2026 compatible with other popular standards like ISO 14001, ISO 45001, AS9100, IATF 16949.
Core QMS requirements, like internal audits and documented information control, will also remain a vital part of the standard.
The upcoming version will also retain its focus on risk-based thinking and leadership involvement, while expanding these areas. 2024’s climate and sustainability-focused amendments will also be formally integrated into the standard.
ISO’s certification framework will also remain intact, which should facilitate a much smoother transition to the new standard.
What Does This Mean for Organizations Who Already Have ISO 9001:2015?
Organizations that already have ISO 9001:2015 will be required to upgrade to ISO 9001:2026 to maintain compliance. However, compliance with the new standard won’t be mandatory for some time.
The ISO typically allows a three-year transition period for new updates. That means full compliance won’t be expected until sometime in late 2029.
After the finalized ISO 9001:2026 is released later in 2026, certification bodies will begin the process of becoming accredited to audit for it. That process could take half a year or longer. The first ISO 9001:2026 certifications aren’t expected to be issued until sometime in 2027.
The clause structure is expected to remain largely in line with Annex SL, meaning organizations already in compliance won’t need a wholesale rewrite of their QMS.
While there are no major generational leaps forward expected, organizations will still need to update their QMS documentation and processes to align with the new ISO 9001 revision. Some training will be necessary, especially for leadership.
In the interim between now and the transition deadline, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to bring your organization up to speed.
What About Organizations Who Do Not Currently Have ISO 9001:2015?
If your organization has been considering obtaining ISO 9001:2015, should you wait until ISO 9001:2026 is available?
The honest answer is no. There is far greater value in obtaining ISO 9001:2015 now, rather than waiting a year or longer for ISO 9001:2026 to become available.
After the new version is officially released, ISO 9001:2015 will still remain valid throughout the three-year transition period. Delaying certification now only delays the benefits of certification.
By obtaining ISO 9001:2015 certification now, your organization gains a stronger competitive position. You immediately reduce waste, increase efficiency, and gain access to new business opportunities.
Getting certification now isn’t wasted. It gives you an immediate boost, while positioning you to obtain the ISO 9001:2026 update well before the likely 2029 deadline.
Manex Can Help You Obtain Certification for the Current Version of ISO 9001 or Prepare for the Coming Revision
Manex has helped manufacturers throughout California improve their operations, reduce waste, and increase efficiency since 1995.
If you’re starting from scratch, we can help you obtain certification in the current ISO 9001 standard and start seeing immediate results.
Or if you need help planning for the upcoming ISO 9001 revision, we can help with gap analysis and document and procedure preparation.
Planning ahead now gives you plenty of time to update systems and prepare your staff. It ensures you can take advantage of the benefits of the new standard like extra attention to sustainability and digital transformation.
With Manex at your side, you’ll be well-equipped to take advantage of all the benefits that ISO 9001 compliance offers.
ISO 9001:2026 Is Almost Here: Contact Manex and Start Preparation Today
ISO 9001:2026 is on its way. Whether you’re already ISO 9001 certified or are still considering certification, there is no benefit in waiting.
Manex can help you get the most out of your current QMS or help you build a system that is ready for the future.
Contact Manex today to discuss your ISO 9001 certification options, and put quality at the top of your mind.
